Islamabad, May 10: The citizens of Pakistan are reeling under the relentless rise in petroleum product prices, which has significantly impacted daily life. Transporters in Peshawar and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have taken to the streets, staging fierce protests against the government’s handling of the situation.
According to a report by The Express Tribune, dozens of transport operators gathered at the Haji Camp Terminal in Peshawar on Saturday to demand a reduction in fuel prices.
Transport leader Zubair Ahmed Qureshi addressed the protesters, highlighting the rising costs of petroleum while CNG remains unavailable. He stated, “Eid is approaching, but hyperinflation has made shopping impossible. Unemployment has already devastated the poor. This is a severe injustice to the lower-income class. Flour is now out of reach for the common man, and rising prices mean burying people alive.”
Transporters expressed their anger over the fifth fare hike within a month following new fuel adjustments. Reports indicate a significant increase in fares for air-conditioned vehicles, while non-AC bus fares have risen by five percent.
Fares for routes from Peshawar to Nowshera, Mardan, Abbottabad, Haripur, Swat, and Malakand have surged from PKR 50 to PKR 500. Passengers traveling to Rawalpindi and Lahore now face an additional cost of up to PKR 3,000. In Peshawar, the minimum fare for city buses has increased from PKR 10 to PKR 30, and freight charges have also seen a rise.
On April 30, the Pakistani government raised the price of high-speed diesel (HSD) by PKR 19.39 per liter and petrol by PKR 6.51 per liter for a week. According to a notification from Pakistan’s Petroleum Division, the price of HSD has increased from PKR 380.19 to PKR 399.58, while petrol will be sold at PKR 399.86 per liter, up from PKR 393.35.
The increase in high-speed diesel prices, which is crucial for transportation and agriculture, raises concerns about its impact on farming during the sowing season. Additionally, rising transportation costs are expected to drive up fertilizer prices.
My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 8 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Udaipur Kiran & Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
